Making heritage part of society’s conversations about equality

Richard Sandell, Professor of Museum Studies at the University of Leicester, explores the capacity for heritage organisations to support the fight for equality for LGBTQ people

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"In 2017, as more of our heritage sites, galleries and museums than ever before feature LGBTQ stories to mark 50 years since the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales (with the introduction of the Sexual Offences Act 1967), it can be tempting to think that equality for LGBTQ people in the UK today is pretty much all sorted - done and dusted, a cause for celebration not concern.

"But equality struggles are not only negotiated in parliaments and law courts. Despite increasing recognition under the law, public understanding and levels of respect for lesbian, gay, bisexual and especially transgender lives are highly uneven. Prejudice and discrimination continue to impact the capacity for many to live their lives as fully, freely and safely as they should..."